Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, May-June, 2010, Pages 50-51
Waging Peace
Season Three of Iqraa: Running for a Brighter Palestine!
TEAM Iqraa's third season begins on May 8, with a training session of one mile for half-marathoners and three miles for marathoners. Iqraa, which means "read" in Arabic (the command form, for instance as used in the Qur'an), is devoted to running and fund-raising in support of improved education for Palestinian youth. Iqraa runners reflect the diverse background of interests and passions that make up American society and the Washington metro area. What unites our team is summarized in our slogan and mission statement: "running for a brighter Palestine." Iqraa cooperates closely with United Palestinian Appeal (UPA); all donations raised by Iqraa runners go to education projects that UPA—a 501(c)3 charity—funds in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Iqraa, which has two successful years under its collective belt, is establishing itself as a permanent fixture on the Washington, DC running and volunteer-philanthropy scene. In 2008 and 2009, 48 Iqraa runners completed the Marine Corps Marathon, the Baltimore Running Festival Half-Marathon, or one of a handful of other long-distance events. In that time, Iqraa and its friends raised nearly $60,000 for several education projects.
In 2008 Iqraa funded renovations in five Gazan kindergartens, and in 2009 runners' efforts funded four university scholarships. In 2010, UPA asked Iqraa to finance a work-study program for university students at three Palestinian universities: Birzeit, Al Quds and Bethlehem University.
The 2009 running program was highly successful because returning runners formed a solid core of mentors and experienced fund-raisers. Among the returning runners were Farida Ibrahim and Nasrin Shah, who also took on leadership roles as coordinators for the group, helping in such tasks as recruiting new runners, maintaining the Iqraa Web site, and providing morale-boosting encouragement. Mohammed Iftaiha designed a new Iqraa logo and helped with accounting. Samar Najia, who has now run about 20 marathons, and Baltimore Running Festival regulars Will Langhorne, a race car driver, and UPA staffer Samar Abu Ridi also returned. Tawfiq Diab returned and gritted out another Marine Corps Marathon, just as he had in 2008, despite a broken toe from a soccer injury.
But it was the large number of new runners—mostly beginners—who nearly doubled the program's size and paved the way for Iqraa's successful 2009 running year. Joyce Ibrahim, who hosted an Iftar dinner for all the runners, and Azucena Rodriguez train along the National Mall almost every weekend. Inga Al Shami, Hadeel Al Tashi and Rasha Abulohom meet every Saturday to run. Jamylah Scott, Israr Mirza and Emad Bawazir travel from Dumfries, VA to train in DC. Runners attended Ramadan training sessions, held after sundown at Hains Point, near the Tidal Basin.
Joanne Demchok set up a table at her church regularly on Sundays to meet her fund-raising commitment. Eddie Brooks played his guitar to raise money for education in Palestine.
Running with Team Iqraa is a great way to get in shape or improve fitness, meet people, and perform charity work for a good cause. As our 48 runners over two years have proven, anyone willing to make the commitment can be an Iqraa runner. UPA is hosting two information sessions for runners—particularly beginners—who want to run for Iqraa in 2010. The info sessions are scheduled for April 7 at 6 p.m. and April 17 at 1 p.m. at UPA's office at 1330 New Hampshire Ave. NW, near Dupont Circle. To RSVP, email <[email protected]>. For more information visit or visit , click "donate," and select my name from the Iqraa list.
—Kirk Campbell
